Vehicle peripheral display device

ABSTRACT

The device is provided with an image acquisition unit for acquiring a peripheral image of a vehicle, the peripheral image being captured by an image pickup device provided to the vehicle; a display device for displaying the peripheral image, the display device being provided inside a vehicle cabin; and an indicator line output unit for causing an indicator line as a guide for a driver during a driving operation to be displayed superimposed on the peripheral image, at least one of a shadow portion and a side surface portion adjacent to the indicator line being added to the indicator line.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vehicle peripheral display deviceprovided with an image acquisition unit for acquiring a peripheral imagecaptured from a vehicle by an image pickup device provided to thevehicle, and a display device for displaying the peripheral image, thedisplay device being provided inside the vehicle cabin.

BACKGROUND ART

In conventional techniques in this type of vehicle peripheral displaydevice, indicator lines serving as a guide for driving are displayedover a peripheral image captured from a vehicle by an image pickupdevice, and a driver is thereby assisted in driving. For example, PatentDocument 1 discloses a technique whereby an indicator line indicating apredicted trajectory of travel to a target parking position issuperimposedly displayed on the basis of such factors as the driver'ssteering angle during parking of a vehicle.

-   -   [Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No.        11-334470

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems that the Invention is Intended toSolve

In the vehicle peripheral display device described above, indicatorlines are displayed two-dimensionally on a peripheral image of thevehicle which has three-dimensional depth. Therefore, although theindicator lines should lie on the plane of the road pictured in theperipheral image, the positional relationship between such a peripheralimage and the indicator lines is difficult to recognize. It can also bedifficult to distinguish between lines drawn on the road and theindicator lines, for example, and the indicator lines are sometimesdifficult to recognize intuitively.

The present invention was developed in view of the foregoing problems,and an object of the present invention is to provide a peripheraldisplay device whereby indicator lines are easily recognized.

Means for Solving the Problems

A first aspect of the present invention comprises an image acquisitionunit for acquiring a peripheral image of a vehicle, the peripheral imagebeing captured by an image pickup device provided to the vehicle; adisplay device for displaying the peripheral image, the display devicebeing provided inside a vehicle cabin; and an indicator line output unitfor causing an indicator line serving as a guide for a driver during adriving operation to be displayed superimposed on the peripheral image,at least one of a shadow portion and a side surface portion adjacent tothe indicator line being added to the indicator line.

According to this aspect, when the shadow portion is provided, a visualeffect can be created in which the indicator line appears to float overthe vehicle peripheral image, which is endowed with three-dimensionaldepth by the shadow portion. In other words, the visual effect createdis as if an indicator line actually placed on a road surface or the likepictured in the peripheral image is seen by a vehicle occupant from thedriver seat. As a result, it is possible to ensure that the drivercomprehends the indicator line, and the indicator line can beappropriately presented to the driver.

When the side surface portion is provided, since the indicator linesuperimposed on the peripheral image is displayed in three-dimensionalfashion by the side surface portion, the indicator line is displayedthree-dimensionally on the vehicle peripheral image, which hasthree-dimensional depth, and the positional relationship between theperipheral image and the indicator line can easily be recognized. Forcolor-blind drivers, since the side surface portion is added to thedisplayed indicator line, the color surface area of the indicator lineincreases, and the indicator line is easier to recognize. On the otherhand, for drivers who are not color blind, the three-dimensional displayof the indicator line prevents the thickness of the line from beingemphasized. As a result, the vehicle occupant can clearly recognize thepositional relationship between the peripheral image and the indicatorline.

When both the shadow portion and the side surface portion are provided,the indicator line is displayed even more three-dimensionally, and thepositional relationship between the peripheral image and the indicatorline is easily recognized.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the indicatorline output unit adds and displays the shadow portion adjacent to theside surface portion.

According to this aspect, since the shadow portion is displayed adjacentto the side surface portion, the display on the display device is moreorganized, and the positional relationship between the peripheral imageand the indicator line is easier to recognize than in a case in whichthe side surface portion and the shadow portion are separated.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the indicator lineoutput unit adds and displays the side surface portion on the side ofthe indicator line close to the image pickup device.

According to this aspect, it is possible to create a visual effect whichis as if a three-dimensional indicator line actually placed on a roadsurface or the like pictured in the peripheral image is seen by avehicle occupant from the driver seat. As a result, the vehicle occupantcan more reliably recognize the positional relationship between theperipheral image and the indicator line. The peripheral image and theindicator line can also be even more clearly distinguished.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the indicatorline output unit adds and displays the shadow portion on the side of theindicator line close to the image pickup device.

According to this aspect, a visual effect is created in which theindicator line appears to float over the peripheral image, and a visualeffect can be created which is as if an indicator line actually placedon a road surface or the like pictured in the peripheral image is seenby a vehicle occupant from the driver seat.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the indicator lineis a broken line.

According to this aspect, the region of the peripheral image that iscovered by the indicator line can be reduced in size. The vehicleoccupant can therefore accurately comprehend the peripheral image.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the indicator lineis intermittently arranged and drawn as an indicator having an arbitraryshape.

According to this aspect, it is possible to clearly distinguish betweenthe indicator line and lines which are original to the peripheral image,such as white lines on a road or parking space lines, for example.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the indicatorline output unit displays the indicator line and the side surfaceportion or shadow portion added to the indicator line so as to have asmaller width the greater the distance is from the image pickup device.

According to this aspect, perspective can be imparted to the indicatorline, and the vehicle occupant can more reliably comprehend thepositional relationship of the indicator line in the peripheral image.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the indicatorline is a parking frame line for indicating a parking space.

According to this aspect, a parking space can easily be recognized onthe screen of the display device, and the operation of parking thevehicle can be made easier for the vehicle occupant during parking.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the indicator lineis an predicted trajectory line which extends in the direction of travelof the vehicle and indicates the predicted trajectory of movement of thevehicle in accordance with a steering angle.

According to this aspect, the predicted trajectory line is easilyrecognized on the screen of the display device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the indicator lineis an extension from the vehicle width, extending in the direction oftravel of the vehicle.

According to this aspect, the extension line of the vehicle width iseasily recognized on the screen of the display device. The “vehiclewidth” referred to herein is the maximum width of the vehicle in theleft-right direction. However, for safety purposes, this vehicle widthmay be set to a value larger than the actual maximum width.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the indicatorline is a distance reference line as a reference of forward distancefrom a front end of the vehicle or rearward distance from a rear end ofthe vehicle.

According to this aspect, the distance reference line is easilyrecognized on the screen of the display device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a forward view from the driver seat of the vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of thevehicle;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic view of an example of theconfiguration of the parking assistance device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a view showing the movement trajectory during parallelparking;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayed onthe monitor during parallel parking;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayed onthe monitor during double parking;

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of profile lines and shadow lines;

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of profile lines and shadow lines;

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of profile lines and shadow lines;

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayedon the monitor in another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayedon the monitor in another embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayedon the monitor in another embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayedon the monitor in another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayedon the monitor in another embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayedon the monitor in another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayedon the monitor in another embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayedon the monitor in another embodiment; and

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of the peripheral image displayedon the monitor in another embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Following is a description of an example in which the peripheral displaydevice of the present invention is applied to a parking assistancedevice for assisting in the operation of parking a vehicle.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the basic configuration of a vehicle 30 provided withthe parking assistance device. A steering wheel 24 provided at thedriver seat is coupled with a power steering unit 33, and transmits arotational operating force to front wheels 28 f to steer the vehicle 30.The front wheels 28 f correspond to steering wheels in the presentinvention. An engine 32 and a speed change mechanism 34 which has atorque converter, CVT, or the like for changing the speed of a drivepower from the engine 32 and transmitting the drive power to the frontwheels 28 f or rear wheels 28 r are disposed at the front of the vehiclebody. Drive power is transmitted to one or both of the front wheels 28 fand the rear wheels 28 r according to the drive system (front-wheeldrive, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive) of the vehicle 30. Anaccelerator pedal 26 as accelerator means for controlling the travelspeed, and a brake pedal 27 for exerting braking force on the frontwheels 28 f and the rear wheels 28 r via brake devices 31 of the frontwheels 28 f and rear wheels 28 r are arranged parallel to each other inthe vicinity of the driver seat.

A monitor 20 (display device) in which a touch panel 23 is formed in adisplay portion 21 is provided at the top of a console in the vicinityof the driver seat. In the present embodiment, the monitor 20 is aliquid crystal monitor provided with a backlight. The monitor 20 is alsoprovided with a speaker 22. A pressure-sensitive panel or electrostaticpanel is used as the touch panel 23, and the position of touch by afinger or the like is outputted as location data. As describedhereinafter, the touch panel 23 of the monitor 20 is used as aninstruction inputting means at the start of parking assistance in thepresent embodiment. In a case in which the vehicle 30 is equipped with anavigation system, the monitor 20 is preferably also used as the displaydevice of the navigation system.

The monitor 20 may also be a plasma display or CRT display, and thespeaker 22 may be provided in another location, such as inside a door.When another switch or the like is provided as instruction inputtingmeans at the start of parking assistance, the touch panel 23 of themonitor 20 need not necessarily be used as the instruction inputtingmeans of the parking assistance device.

A steering wheel sensor 14 for measuring a steering direction and amountis provided to the operating system of the steering wheel 24. A shiftposition sensor 15 for determining the shift position is provided to theoperating system of a shift lever 25. An accelerator sensor 16 formeasuring the accelerator position is provided to the operating systemof the accelerator pedal 26. A brake sensor 17 for detecting whether thebrake is being operated is provided to the operating system of the brakepedal 27.

Rotation sensors 18 for measuring the rotation amount of at least one ofthe front wheels 28 f and the rear wheels 28 r are provided as movementdistance sensors. In the present embodiment, a case is described inwhich rotation sensors 18 are provided to the rear wheels 28 r. Aconfiguration may also be adopted in which the movement distance ismeasured by measuring the amount of movement of the vehicle 30 from theamount of rotation of the drive system in the speed change mechanism 34.An ECU (electronic control unit) 10 for travel control including parkingassistance is provided in the vehicle 30 as the central core of theparking assistance device of the present invention.

A camera 12 for capturing an image of the scene to the rear of thevehicle 30 is provided at the rear of the vehicle 30. The camera 12houses a CCD (charge coupled device), CIS (CMOS image sensor) or otherimaging element, and is a digital camera for outputting informationimaged by the imaging element as video information in real time. Thecamera 12 is provided with a wide-angle lens, and has a field of view ofapproximately 140 degrees to the left and right, for example. The camera12 is set so as to have a depression angle of about 30 degrees, forexample, toward the rear of the vehicle 30, and captures an image of aregion extending about 8 m generally to the rear. The captured image isinputted to the ECU 10 and utilized for such purposes as parkingassistance.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic view of an example of theconfiguration of the parking assistance device according to the presentinvention, the main core of which is formed by the ECU 10. As shown inFIG. 3, the ECU 10 is composed of a computation unit 1, an imageacquisition unit 2, a display controller 3, and other functional units.The computation unit 1 is a functional unit for computing the guidancepath or the like described hereinafter, and has a parking target settingunit 4, a guidance unit 5, an indicator output unit 6, and otherfunctional units. The above functional units of the ECU 10 are based ona microcomputer, DSP (digital signal processor) or otherarithmetic-logic hardware, and are implemented in coordination with aprogram or other software that is executed by the hardware.Consequently, the functional units merely represent divisions offunctioning, and are not necessarily comprised of independent physicalunits. The ECU 10 also includes frame memory and various other types ofmemory for image storage, as well as image processing circuits andvarious other types of electronic circuits. The configuration andfunctions of these various types of memory and electronic circuits arepublicly known, and are therefore not shown or described in detailherein.

The image acquisition unit 2 is a functional unit for acquiring aperipheral image captured by the camera 12 (image pickup device) fromthe vehicle 30. The image acquisition unit 2 has frame memory for imagestorage, a synchronizing separator circuit, and other components. Thedisplay controller 3 is a functional unit for displaying the peripheralimage captured by the camera 12 from the vehicle 30 on the monitor 20(display device) inside the vehicle cabin.

The computation unit 1 sets the parking target position P3 (see FIG. 4)of the vehicle 30 and computes the guidance path to the parking targetposition P3. In the present embodiment, the parking target position P3is set and the guidance path to the parking target position P3 iscomputed using the substantial center portion Q of the axle of the rearwheels 28 r of the vehicle 30 as a reference point for the vehicle. Thecomputation unit 1 also generates an indicator line as an indicator forguiding the driving operations performed by the driver. The parkingtarget setting unit 4 of the computation unit 1 is a functional unit forsetting the parking target position P3 of the vehicle 30. The guidanceunit 5 of the computation unit 1 is a functional unit for computing theguidance path to the parking target position P3. Detection results fromthe steering wheel sensor 14, the shift position sensor 15, theaccelerator sensor 16, the brake sensor 17, the rotation sensors 18, andother sensors are inputted to the computation unit 1, and the parkingtarget position P3 and the guidance path are computed based on thedetection results from the sensors. The indicator line output unit 6 ofthe computation unit 1 generates an indicator line for guiding thedriver, and causes the indicator line to be displayed superimposed onthe peripheral image via the display controller 3.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the screen of the monitor 20 in which parkingframe lines 50 a (as an example of the indicator line) indicating aparking space E are displayed superimposed on the peripheral image in acase of parallel parking between two parked vehicles. As shown in FIG.5, profile lines 50 b extending along the parking frame lines 50 a andshadow lines 50 c extending along the profile lines 50 b are added tothe parking frame lines 50 a. In the present embodiment, profile lines50 b (corresponding to the side surface portion of the presentinvention) and shadow lines 50 c (corresponding to the shadow portion ofthe present invention) having a smaller width than the parking framelines 50 a are added to wide parking frame lines 50 a. Although notparticularly limited, the parking frame lines 50 a, profile lines 50 b,and shadow lines 50 c are displayed in blue, for example, and thebrightness progressively decreases, i.e., the color becomes closer toblack in the stated order of the parking frame lines 50 a, the profilelines 50 b, and the shadow lines 50 c. As shall be apparent, thisconfiguration is not limiting, and the lines may be red, yellow, oranother color other than blue, or each line may be of a different hue.The parking frame lines 50 a are thereby displayed three-dimensionallyin superimposed fashion on the peripheral image. The parking frame linescan therefore be highlighted, and the vehicle occupant can clearlydistinguish between the peripheral image and the parking frame lines 50a.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the screen of the monitor 20 in which parkingframe lines 50 a indicating a parking area are displayed superimposed onthe peripheral image in a case of double parking between two vehicles.In the case of double parking as well, profile lines 50 b and shadowlines 50 c are added to the parking frame lines 50 a, and the parkingframe lines 50 a are displayed three-dimensionally on the peripheralimage. The parking frame lines can therefore be highlighted, and thevehicle occupant can clearly distinguish between the peripheral imageand the parking frame lines 50 a.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are views showing an example of the manner in whichthe profile lines and the shadow lines are added to the parking framelines. In the present embodiment, the profile lines and the shadow linesare added to the parking frame lines along the sides thereof close tothe camera 12. In other words, as shown in FIG. 7, when the camera 12 ispositioned in the width direction of the vehicle 30 between a pair ofleft and right parking frame lines 61 a, 62 a extending along the traveldirection of the vehicle 30, the profile lines 61 b, 62 b and shadowlines 61 c, 62 c are each added on the inside of the parking frame lines61 a, 62 a. For the pair of parking frame lines 63 a, 64 a which extendin the direction intersecting the pair of left and right parking framelines 61 a, 62 a, profile lines 63 b, 64 b and shadow lines 63 c, 64 care added along the side close to the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the camera 12 is positioned further to theright than the right-side parking frame line 62 a of the pair of leftand right parking frame lines 61 a, 62 a extending along the traveldirection of the vehicle 30, the profile lines 61 b, 62 b and the shadowlines 61 c, 62 c are added on the right sides of the parking frame lines61 a, 62 a on the monitor 20. As shown in FIG. 9, when the camera 12 ispositioned further to the left than the left-side parking frame line 61a of the pair of left and right parking frame lines 61 a, 62 a extendingalong the travel direction of the vehicle 30, the profile lines 61 b, 62b and the shadow lines 61 c, 62 c are added on the left sides of theparking frame lines 61 a, 62 a on the monitor 20. For the pair ofparking frame lines 63 a, 64 a which extend in the directionintersecting the pair of left and right parking frame lines 61 a, 62 a,profile lines 63 b, 64 b and shadow lines 63 c, 64 c are added along theside close to the vehicle, in the same manner as in FIG. 7. By addingprofile lines and shadow lines as described above, a visual effect canbe created in which the indicator lines appear to float over theperipheral image, and the vehicle occupant can more clearly distinguishbetween the peripheral image and the indicator lines.

The operation of the parking assistance device will next be describedusing as an example a case of parallel parking in a parking space Ebetween two parked vehicles 41, 42, as shown in FIG. 4.

The driver advances the vehicle 30 from position P1 to position P2 atwhich the foreground of the parking space E appears on the monitor 20,and once the driver stops the vehicle, a speed sensor 7 b detects thatthe vehicle 30 is stopped and transmits this detection result to thecomputation unit 1 of the parking assistance device. When the driversets the shift lever to the reverse position, the shift position sensor15 detects that the shift lever is set to reverse and transmits thisdetection result to the computation unit 1. When the two detectionresults mentioned above are transmitted to the computation unit 1, theparking target setting unit 4 sets the parking target position P3 on thebasis of the peripheral image. The method for setting the parking targetposition will not be described in detail, but the parking targetposition is set, for example, through image recognition of the partitionlines provided to the parking space E, or of obstacles such as theparked vehicles 41, 42 in front and to the rear.

When the parking target position P3 is set, the guidance unit 5calculates a guidance path on the basis of the current position P2 ofthe vehicle and the parking target position P3 set by the parking targetsetting unit 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the indicator line output unit 6generates parking frame lines 50 a, profile lines 50 b, and shadow lines50 c for indicating the parking space E on the basis of the set parkingtarget position P3, and causes the parking frame lines 50 a, profilelines 50 b, and shadow lines 50 c to be displayed superimposed on theperipheral image via the display controller 3.

When there is no need to change the parking target position P3 firstset, the parking target position P3 is confirmed when the vehicleoccupant touches the “OK” display. When the vehicle occupant wishes tochange the set parking target position P3, the vehicle occupant canchange the parking target position P3 by operating the touch panel, forexample. The parking target position P3 may also be changed by operatingthe steering wheel.

Once the parking target position P3 is confirmed, the guidance unit 5detects that the shift lever is set to reverse and that the vehicleoccupant has released the brake, and controls the ECU 10 so as the guidethe vehicle 30 toward the parking target position P3. A configurationmay also be adopted in which the display “Cancel parking assistance” isprovided on the screen of the monitor 20, and the driver can cancelparking assistance as needed by touching the display. A configurationmay also be adopted in which parking assistance is cancelled when thevehicle occupant operates the brake, the steering wheel, or anothercomponent, for example. When the ECU 10 reaches the parking targetposition, the ECU 10 is controlled so as to stop the vehicle 30 and endparking assistance.

Second Embodiment

(1) In the first embodiment, an example is described in which thevehicle 30 is guided by automatic steering to the set parking targetposition, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, aconfiguration may be adopted in which a predicted course line of thevehicle is displayed superimposed as an indicator line on the peripheralimage, and the driver parks the vehicle by such operations as operatingthe steering wheel on the basis of the course prediction line, as shownin FIG. 10.

In the present embodiment, the rearward prediction lines 51 aredisplayed superimposed on the peripheral image via the displaycontroller 3, as shown in FIG. 10. The rearward prediction lines 51 areindicator lines for indicating the predicted trajectory or the like ofbackward movement of the vehicle 30 in accordance with the steeringangle. The rearward prediction lines 51 extend to the rear of thevehicle 30, and are composed of predicted trajectory lines 51 aindicating the predicted trajectory of movement of the rear end of thevehicle 30, and distance reference lines 52 a, 53 a, 54 a as referencesof distance to the rear from the rear end of the vehicle 30. Thedistance reference lines 52 a, 53 a, 54 a are a 5 m reference line 54 a,a 3 m reference line 53 a, and a 1 m warning line 52 a in the presentexample. The rearward prediction lines 51 are basically drawn in yellow.However, the 1 m warning line 52 a is displayed in red so as to attractthe attention of the driver.

Vehicle rearward lines 55 are also displayed superimposed on theperipheral image. The vehicle rearward lines 55 are indicator lineswhich indicate a predetermined position to the rear of the vehicle 30regardless of the steering angle of the vehicle 30. Consequently, thisindicator line is displayed superimposed on a predetermined positionfixed in the peripheral image according to the optical relationship withthe camera 12 mounted to the vehicle 30. The vehicle rearward lines 55in the present embodiment are composed of vehicle width extension lines55 a which are extensions of the vehicle width, extending to the rear ofthe vehicle, and a 1 m reference line 56 a as a distance reference line.In the present embodiment, the vehicle rearward lines 55 are displayedin green, for example, or another color other than that of the rearwardprediction lines 51 in order to be more easily distinguishable from therearward prediction lines 51. The “vehicle width” herein is the maximumwidth of the vehicle 30 in the left-right direction, but may be set to avalue larger than the actual maximum width for safety purposes.

The indicator line output unit 6 adds profile lines and shadow lines tothe rearward prediction lines 51 and vehicle rearward lines 55 in thepresent embodiment as well. Specifically, profile lines 51 b and shadowlines 51 c are added on the insides of the pair of left and rightpredicted trajectory lines 51 a of the rearward prediction lines 51, andprofile lines 54 b, 53 b, 52 b and shadow lines 54 c, 53 c, 52 c arealso added along the sides of the 5 m reference line 54 a, 3 m referenceline 53 a, and 1 m warning line 52 a close to the vehicle 30. Profilelines 55 b, 56 b and shadow lines 55 c, 56 c are also added on theinsides of the pair of left and right vehicle width extension lines 55 aand on the vehicle 30 side of the 1 m reference line of the vehiclerearward lines 55. The rearward prediction lines 51 and the vehiclerearward lines 55 are thus three-dimensionally displayed superimposed onthe peripheral image.

The driver operates the steering wheel to back the vehicle 30 so thatthe vehicle 30 does not strike the parked vehicles 41, 42 or otherobstacles, and guides the vehicle 30 into the parking space E whilereferring to the rearward prediction lines 51 and the vehicle rearwardlines 55 which are displayed superimposed on the peripheral image. Whenthe driver then confirms that the vehicle 30 is in the parking space Eand the vehicle rearward lines 55 are substantially parallel to theparking space E, the driver vehicle 30 stops the vehicle.

In the present embodiment, rearward prediction lines and vehiclerearward lines are described for moving the vehicle 30 in reverse, butthis configuration is not limiting. For example, although not shown inthe drawings, forward prediction lines and vehicle forward lines may bedisplayed superimposed on the peripheral image during forward movementof the vehicle 30. In this case, predicted trajectory lines extending infront of the vehicle 30 indicate the predicted trajectory of movement ofthe vehicle 30 in accordance with the steering angle. Vehicle widthextension lines in this case indicate extensions of the vehicle width,and extend forward from the vehicle 30. Furthermore, distance referencelines serve as references of distance forward from the front end of thevehicle 30.

(2) Cases have so far been described in which the indicator lines aresolid lines. However, the indicator lines may be broken lines, forexample, or other non-solid lines. A combination of solid lines andbroken lines, for example, or other non-solid lines may also be used.FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of the vehicle rearward lines 55composed of vehicle width extension lines 55 a and the 1 m referenceline 56 a as a distance reference line displayed superimposed on theperipheral image. In this example, the 1 m reference line 56 a isdisplayed as a solid line in the same manner as in the embodimentdescribed above, but the vehicle width extension lines 55 a aredisplayed as broken lines.

In the present embodiment as well, the indicator line output unit 6 addsand displays the profile lines and shadow lines along the sides of thevehicle rearward lines 55 close to the image pickup device (camera 12).In other words, the profile lines 55 b, 56 b and shadow lines 55 c, 56 care added along the vehicle 30 sides of the pair of left and rightvehicle width extension lines 55 a and the 1 m reference line 56 a ofthe vehicle rearward lines 55. The profile lines 55 b and shadow lines55 c are also displayed as broken lines on the broken vehicle widthextension lines 55 a, and are added in positions corresponding to thebroken vehicle width extension lines 55 a.

Although not particularly limited, the vehicle width extension lines 55a are displayed in blue, and the 1 m reference line 56 a is displayed inred, for example. The profile lines 55 b and shadow lines 55 c of thevehicle width extension lines 55 a are also displayed in blue, but thebrightness progressively decreases, i.e., the color becomes closer toblack, in the stated order of the vehicle width extension lines 55 a,the profile lines 55 b, and the shadow lines 55 c. The profile lines 56b and shadow lines 56 c of the 1 m reference line 56 a are alsodisplayed in red, but the brightness progressively decreases in sequencein the 1 m reference line 56 a, profile lines 56 b, and shadow lines 56c. Of course, this configuration is not limiting, and the lines may beyellow or another color other than described above, or each line may beof a different hue. The vehicle rearward lines 55 are thereby displayedthree-dimensionally in superimposed fashion on the peripheral image.

(3) In a case in which all or some of the indicator lines are displayedas broken lines in the manner described above, the indicator lines maybe intermittently arranged and drawn as indicators having an arbitraryshape. FIG. 12 is a view showing an example in which the vehicle widthextension lines 55 a and vehicle rearward lines 55 composed of the 1 mreference line 56 a and a 5 m reference line 57 a as distance referencelines are displayed superimposed on the peripheral image. In thisexample, cross-shaped indicators 55 d, 56 d, 57 d are intermittentlyarranged, and the vehicle width extension lines 55 a and the 1 mreference line 56 a and 5 m reference line 57 a as distance referencelines are drawn. In this case as well, side surface portions 55 e, 56 e,57 e and shadow portions 55 f, 56 f, 57 f are added to the indicators 55d, 56 d, 57 d, respectively, which constitute the vehicle widthextension lines 55 a, the 1 m reference line 56 a, and the 5 m referenceline 57 a, in the same manner as in the embodiment described above.

(4) Examples have thus far been described in which the indicator lineoutput unit 6 adds side surface portions (profile lines) and shadowportions (shadow lines) to the displayed indicator lines, but both theside surface portions (profile lines) and the shadow portions (shadowlines) need not necessarily be displayed, and a configuration may beadopted in either the side surface portions (profile lines) or theshadow portions (shadow lines) are displayed.

FIGS. 13 through 15 are views showing examples in which the indicatorline output unit 6 adds only the shadow portions (shadow lines) to thedisplayed indicator lines.

FIG. 13 shows an example in which shadow lines 55 c, 56 c are added tothe vehicle rearward lines 55, composed of solid vehicle width extensionlines 55 a and a solid 1 m reference line 56 a as a distance referenceline, and displayed superimposed on the peripheral image. The indicatorline output unit 6 adds the shadow lines 55 c, 56 c along the insides ofthe pair of left and right vehicle width extension lines 55 a and alongthe vehicle 30 side of the 1 m reference line 56 a of the vehiclerearward lines 55.

FIG. 14 shows an example in which vehicle rearward lines composed ofbroken vehicle width extension lines 55 a and a solid 1 m reference line56 a as a distance reference line are displayed superimposed on theperipheral image. In this case as well, the indicator line output unit 6adds shadow lines along the side portions on the sides of the indicatorlines close to the image pickup device. In other words, the shadow lines55 c, 56 c are added along the insides of the pair of left and rightvehicle width extension lines 55 a and along the vehicle 30 side of the1 m reference line 56 a of the vehicle rearward lines 55.

FIG. 15 shows an example in which cross-shaped indicators 55 d, 56 d, 57d are intermittently arranged, and vehicle width extension lines 55 aand a 1 m reference line 56 a and 5 m reference line 57 a as distancereference lines are drawn. In this case as well, shadow portions 55 f,56 f, 57 f are added to the indicators 55 d, 56 d, 57 d, respectively,which constitute the vehicle width extension lines 55 a, the 1 mreference line 56 a, and the 5 m reference line 57 a, in the same manneras described above.

FIGS. 16 through 18 show examples in which the indicator line outputunit 6 adds only the side surface portions (profile lines) to thedisplayed indicator lines.

FIG. 16 shows an example in which profile lines 55 b, 56 b are added tothe vehicle rearward lines 55, composed of solid vehicle width extensionlines 55 a and a solid 1 m reference line 56 a as a distance referenceline, and displayed superimposed on the peripheral image. The indicatorline output unit 6 adds the profile lines 55 b, 56 b along the sides ofthe indicator lines close to the image pickup device. In other words,the profile lines 55 b, 56 b are added along the insides of the pair ofleft and right vehicle width extension lines 55 a and along the vehicle30 side of the 1 m reference line 56 a of the vehicle rearward lines 55.

FIG. 17 is a view showing an example in which vehicle rearward linescomposed of broken vehicle width extension lines 55 a and a solid 1 mreference line 56 a as a distance reference line are displayedsuperimposed on the peripheral image. In this case as well, theindicator line output unit 6 adds profile lines along the side portionson the sides of the indicator lines close to the image pickup device. Inother words, the profile lines 55 b, 56 b are added along the insides ofthe pair of left and right vehicle width extension lines 55 a and alongthe vehicle 30 side of the 1 m reference line 56 a of the vehiclerearward lines 55.

FIG. 18 shows an example in which cross-shaped indicators 55 d, 56 d, 57d are intermittently arranged, and vehicle width extension lines 55 aand a 1 m reference line 56 a and 5 m reference line 57 a as distancereference lines are drawn. In this case as well, side surface portions55 e, 56 e, 57 e are added to the indicators 55 d, 56 d, 57 d,respectively, which constitute the vehicle width extension lines 55 a,the 1 m reference line 56 a, and the 5 m reference line 57 a, in thesame manner as described above.

(5) In the first embodiment described above, the indicator line outputunit 6 may be configured so that the width of the indicator lines,profile lines, and shadow lines decreases as the distance from thecamera 12 increases. In other words, in the case of the first embodimentdescribed above (with reference to FIGS. 7 through 9), the pair of leftand right parking frame lines 61 a, 62 a which extend along the cruisinglane of the vehicle 30, and the profile lines 61 b, 62 b and shadowlines 61 c, 62 c added to the parking frame lines 61 a, 62 a aredisplayed so as to decrease in width the greater the distance is fromthe vehicle 30. Moreover, in the pair of parking frame lines 63 a, 64 aextending in the direction perpendicular to the cruising lane, and theprofile lines 63 b, 64 b and shadow lines 63 c, 64 c added along theparking frame lines 63 a, 64 a, the parking frame line 63 a, profileline 63 b, and shadow line 63 c on the side toward the vehicle aredisplayed so as to have a greater width than the parking frame line 64a, profile line 64 b, and shadow line 64 c on the side away from thevehicle 30.

In the case of the second embodiment described above (with reference toFIG. 10), the pair of left and right predicted trajectory lines 51 aamong the rearward prediction lines 51, and the profile lines 51 b andshadow lines 51 c added to the predicted trajectory lines 51 a aredisplayed so as to decrease in width the farther each line is from thevehicle. The distance reference lines are also displayed so as to have asmaller width the more separated the distance reference lines are fromthe vehicle 30. In the case of this embodiment, the widths of theposition reference lines are set so as decrease in order for the 1 mwarning line 52 a, the 3 m reference line 53 a, and the 5 m referenceline 54 a. The profile lines 52 b, 53 b, 54 b and shadow lines 52 c, 53c, 54 c added to the position reference lines are also set so as todecrease in width in the same manner the farther each line is from thevehicle 30. The pair of left and right vehicle width extension lines 55a of the vehicle rearward lines 55, and the profile lines 55 b andshadow lines 55 c are also displayed so as to decrease in width thefarther each line is from the vehicle.

(6) In the embodiments described above, examples are described in whichthe vehicle peripheral display device is applied to a parking assistancedevice, but this configuration is not limiting. The vehicle peripheraldisplay device can also be applied in cases in which indicator lines aredisplayed superimposed on a peripheral image during driving operationsother than parking.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The vehicle peripheral display device of the present invention can beapplied to such devices as a parking assistance device for assisting adriver with a driving operation, whereby the indicator lines displayedby the display device are easily recognized, and the driver can clearlyrecognize the positional relationship between the peripheral image andthe indicator lines.

1-11. (canceled)
 12. A vehicle peripheral display device comprising: animage acquisition unit for acquiring a peripheral image of a vehicle,the peripheral image being captured by an image pickup device providedto the vehicle; a display device for displaying the peripheral image,the display device being provided inside a vehicle cabin; and anindicator line output unit for causing an indicator line serving as aguide for a driver during a driving operation to be displayedsuperimposed on the peripheral image, a shadow portion being added tothe indicator line, wherein the indicator line includes a predictedtrajectory line which extends in the direction of travel of the vehicleand indicates the predicted trajectory of movement of the vehicle inaccordance with a steering angle, and the indicator line output unitcauses the predicted trajectory line to be displayed superimposed on theperipheral image.
 13. The vehicle peripheral display device according toclaim 12, wherein the indicator line output unit further adds anddisplays a side surface portion adjacent to the indicator line, theshadow portion being displayed adjacent to the side surface portion. 14.The vehicle peripheral display device according to claim 13, wherein theindicator line output unit adds and displays the side surface portion onthe side of the indicator line close to the image pickup device.
 15. Thevehicle peripheral display device according to claim 12, wherein theindicator line output unit adds and displays the shadow portion on theside of the indicator line close to the image pickup device.
 16. Thevehicle peripheral display device according to claim 12, wherein theindicator line is a broken line.
 17. The vehicle peripheral displaydevice according to claim 12, wherein the indicator line isintermittently arranged and drawn as an indicator having an arbitraryshape.
 18. The vehicle peripheral display device according to claim 12,wherein the indicator line output unit displays the indicator line andthe side surface portion or shadow portion added to the indicator lineso as to have a smaller width the greater the distance is from the imagepickup device.
 19. The vehicle peripheral display device according toclaim 12, wherein the indicator line includes a parking frame line forindicating a parking space, and the indicator line output unit causesthe parking frame line to be displayed superimposed on the peripheralimage.
 20. The vehicle peripheral display device according to claim 12,wherein the indicator line includes an extension from the vehicle width,extending in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and the indicatorline output unit causes the extension to be displayed superimposed onthe peripheral image.
 21. The vehicle peripheral display deviceaccording to claim 12, wherein the indicator line includes a distancereference line used as a reference of forward distance from a front endof the vehicle or rearward distance from a rear end of the vehicle, andthe indicator line output unit causes the distance reference to bedisplayed superimposed on the peripheral image.
 22. A vehicle peripheraldisplay device comprising: an image acquisition unit for acquiring aperipheral image of a vehicle, the peripheral image being captured by animage pickup device provided to the vehicle; a display device fordisplaying the peripheral image, the display device being providedinside a vehicle cabin; and an indicator line output unit for causing anindicator line serving as a guide for a driver during a drivingoperation to be displayed superimposed on the peripheral image, a shadowportion adjacent to the indicator line being added to the indicatorline, wherein the indicator line includes a parking frame line forindicating a parking space, and the indicator line output unit causesthe parking frame line to be displayed superimposed on the peripheralimage.
 23. The vehicle peripheral display device according to claim 22,wherein the indicator line output unit adds and displays the shadowportion on the side of the indicator line close to the image pickupdevice.
 24. The vehicle peripheral display device according to claim 22,wherein the indicator line is a broken line.
 25. The vehicle peripheraldisplay device according to claim 22, wherein the indicator line isintermittently arranged and drawn as an indicator having an arbitraryshape.
 26. The vehicle peripheral display device according to claim 22,wherein the indicator line output unit displays the indicator line andthe side surface portion or shadow portion added to the indicator lineso as to have a smaller width the greater the distance is from the imagepickup device.